Eupelmidae is a family of parasitic wasps in the superfamily Chalcidoidea. The larvae of the majority are primary parasitoids, commonly on beetle larvae, though many other hosts are attacked, including spiders. Details of the life history varies considerably (e.g., some attack eggs and others are hyperparasites). They are found throughout the world in virtually all habitats.

Description

They are somewhat variable in appearance, though a fair number of species are relatively easy to separate from other Chalcidoidea by the possession of a medially concave mesonotum. They also have the unusual tendency to arch the body strongly upwards when dead, with the head and metasoma often nearly touching above the thorax.

Taxonomy

In 2022, genera previously placed in this family were moved to the families Metapelmatidae and Neanastatidae. As presently defined, there are 39 genera in Eupelmidae.

Subfamily Calosotinae

Genera remaining after the loss of five genera to Eusandalinae:

• Balcha Walker, 1862

• Calosota Curtis, 1836

• Tanythorax Gibson, 1989

Subfamily Eupelminae

Genera:

Subfamily Eusandalinae

Genera:

• Archaeopelma Gibson, 1989

• Eusandalum Ratzeburg, 1852

• Licrooides Gibson, 1989

• Paraeusandalum Gibson, 1989

• Pentacladia Westwood, 1835

References

External links

• Universal Chalcidoidea Database